How far do rats travel from their nest?

Rats typically travel 100 to 150 metres from their burrow to find food. This means if your neighbour has rats, rats are likely crossing your property too.

What does a rat burrow look like?

Rat burrows are 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They are usually found in the ground near foundations, under concrete slabs, along fence lines, and in garden areas.

How do I tell rat droppings from mouse droppings?

Rat droppings are larger, 12 to 18mm long, with blunt or rounded ends. Mouse droppings are smaller, 3 to 6mm long, with pointed ends.

Should I report rat activity to the city?

Yes. In Toronto, report rat sightings to 311. The City will inspect and treat city-owned areas. Neighbourhood-level reporting is the most effective way to address rat problems.

7 Signs of a Rat Problem in Your GTA Neighbourhood

Q: What attracts rats to a neighbourhood?

Rats are attracted to accessible garbage, compost bins, fruit trees, bird feeders, and pet waste. Eliminate these food sources to make your neighbourhood less attractive.

By PestRecord Editorial Team

Rats in the GTA are a neighbourhood problem, not just a single-home problem. Rats travel 100 to 150 metres from their burrow to find food. If your neighbour has rats, rats are crossing your yard too.

7 Signs of Neighbourhood Rat Activity

1. Burrow holes. Look for 2 to 4 inch holes in the ground near foundations, along fence lines, and in garden beds. Fresh burrows have loose soil around the entrance.

2. Droppings. Rat droppings are 12 to 18mm long with blunt ends. They are dark when fresh and grey when old. Check near garbage bins, garden areas, and foundation walls.

3. Gnaw marks. Rats gnaw constantly to keep their teeth worn down. Look for gnaw marks on wooden fences, garden furniture, and the bottom of exterior doors.

4. Grease rub marks. Rats follow the same paths repeatedly. You will see dark smudges along fence lines, walls, and foundation corners where their oily fur rubs off.

5. Nocturnal sounds. Rats are most active after sunset. You may hear scratching, rustling, or gnawing sounds from within wall voids or under floorboards.

6. Sounds in void spaces. Rats nest in wall voids, crawl spaces, and under concrete slabs. Listen for movement sounds in these areas, especially at night.

7. Owl activity. Increased owl presence in your neighbourhood may indicate a large rat population. Owls hunt rats at night and their pellets often contain rat bones.

What Attracts Rats to a Neighbourhood

Rats are drawn to accessible food. Garbage bins with loose lids, compost bins, fruit trees with fallen fruit on the ground, bird feeders, and pet waste are all rat attractants. One unsecured garbage bin can support a small rat colony.

Taking Action

Report rat sightings in Toronto to 311. The City will inspect city-owned areas and apply treatment. Neighbourhood-level reporting is the most effective approach because rats do not respect property lines.

If rats have reached your property, get free quotes from licensed rat control operators for professional exclusion and treatment. Get free quotes from licensed mouse control operators if you are not sure which rodent you are dealing with.